Additional information
by Hardev S. Thakur (Author)
Yajur Veda reveals its entire scheme in the opening lines- 'You folks are the carriers and accomplishers of needs and wishes (of community). God Savitri (Creator) may stimulate you for the noblest deed (Yaj a).' (1.1) Further the Veda declares there is no salvation other than by doing (the enjoined) works. (40.2) Rationality behind this approach is summed up as Isavasya &c. (40.1). According to it, ego, individuality and personal choice are false, fanciful. So we see ourselves one with cosmos or cosmic action. We are at best instruments or vehicles of Cosmic Order. Apart from being ritualistic, this Veda has many stretches of passages or prayers for everyday situations of common interest like: gracing of food (11.83), morning prayer (34.34-40), night prayer (34.1-6), general blessings (25.14-23), national/community prayer (22.22) and even death/misery conquering (3.60). There is a chapter for pacifying terrible Rudra (chapter 16). Benefits/blessings of Yaj a are enumerated and vouchsafed with the chanting of chapter 18. The book also contains the greatly celebrated Purusha Sookta (chapter 31) that reveals how Purusha (God) though transcendent and unborn manifests in and pervades all these worlds and their inhabitants. Chapter 31 is regarded as all-winning (sarva medha). Finally, last chapter (40) of the book is regarded as highly philosophical. This chapter is called Isa (or Isavasya) Upanishad-the principal among mystical Upanishads.
Author Biography
Author (b.1957, India) underwent formal study of Sanskrit language and scriptures. After university years he kept his passion alive for Vedic studies. Currently he is settled in New Zealand and pursues the same. He follows strict routine of Yoga and recitation of the Vedas. Recently he decided to embark on translation of the Vedas-a task which he sees as daunting, especially when done singlehandedly and when balancing between job and hobby. Vedas are the most ancient records available to mankind. In 2014, he published The Sama Veda: A Rendering of Ancient Lore as Vol. 1 of Holy Vedas series. Now on hand for the readers is the Yajur Veda text and translation as Vol. 2. Next in the series is the Bhagavad Gita, which admiringly speaks of the Vedas and upholds their tradition.
